The US is slowly catching up to many other developed economies when it comes to cashless payments, with contactless options like Apple Pay and tap-and-go credit cards becoming increasingly popular. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of cashless and touchless payment options around the country for health and safety reasons, including at many venues.
The newly renamed Crypto.com Arena went cashless last year as it reopened to fans, while New York’s Javits Center unveiled a fully touchless café last year that leverages Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. Not only does cashless infrastructure provide a more sanitary environment, but it has the added benefit of improving the fan experience, and it will only become more widespread in event facilities as time goes on.
Central Bank Center’s group of venues in Lexington, Kentucky are now the latest venues to go cashless for parking and concessions transactions as of March 2nd. The venues include the Central Bank Convention Center, Rupp Arena, and the Lexington Opera House, and the complex will be working with Oak View Group and Levy Restaurants to streamline the new payment processes.
Both credit cards and mobile payments will be accepted moving forward, and cash will continue to be accepted for now only at the Central Bank Center box offices and at artist merch stands.
“As consumers have embraced digital engagement during the pandemic, we have a timely opportunity to create a better experience for our patrons while streamlining our own operations,” said Oak View Group’s Brian Sipe, General Manager of Central Bank Center, in a statement. “With new digital payment options, Central Bank Center patrons will enjoy more time watching the show and less time waiting in line.”
Sipe added that this won’t be the last innovation coming to the venue: “I can promise our fans, this is only the beginning of delivering a first-class experience as you enjoy concerts, basketball, trade shows, comedy, theatre and all of the other great live entertainment at your Central Bank Center complex”.